JOHN MASH FROM COBHAM GRANGE ESCAPES JAIL AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON PUPILS IN THE 1980S

In a case that has reopened painful memories from decades past, John Mash, a 79-year-old man with ties to Cobham Grange, has been spared immediate imprisonment after admitting to serious sexual misconduct involving students at an independent boarding school during the 1980s.

The court proceedings revealed that Mash had repeatedly entered the dormitories where pupils were sleeping, often during the night hours. These intrusions culminated in two counts of indecent assault, which remain on file as part of the legal record. The allegations, which surfaced after many years, have caused significant distress to the victims and have brought to light troubling issues of safeguarding at the institution.

Following his guilty pleas, Mash was handed a sentence that was suspended, meaning he will not serve time in prison unless he breaches certain conditions. Additionally, he has been placed on the sex offenders register for a period of ten years, requiring him to comply with monitoring and reporting obligations. The court also imposed a supervision order, which mandates regular oversight and potentially counseling or other measures aimed at preventing any future offenses.

The case underscores the importance of vigilance and accountability within educational institutions, especially those with a history of safeguarding failures. It also highlights the long-lasting impact such crimes have on victims, many of whom may have carried the trauma for decades before justice was finally served.